s the house of a milliner not far from Bond Street, and desired him
to keep watch near the door for some time, that he might discover the
person who should call for it. In less than an hour he returned with a
joyful countenance, and told me that, soon after he had delivered the
letter, a chairman was called, to whom it was given, with directions to
carry it to the house of a rich gentleman in the neighbourhood,
whither he (Strap) followed him, and saw him put it into the hands of
a waiting-woman, who paid the messenger, and shut the door; that, upon
inquiry at an alehouse hard by, where he called for a pint of beer,
he understood the gentleman to whom the house belonged had an only
daughter, very handsome, who would inherit his whole estate; and who
certainly was the author of the billet I had received. I was of the same
opinion, and, hugging myself in the happy prospect, dressed immediately,
and passed in great state the house that contained my unknown admirer.
Nor was my vanity disappointed; for I perceived a beautiful young
creature standing at one of the windows of the dining-room, who, I
imagined, observed me with more than common curiosity. That I might
indulge her view, and at the same time feast my own, I affected to stop,
and gave orders to Strap, in the street, just opposite to her station,
by which means I had an opportunity of seeing her more distinctly,
and of congratulating myself on having made a conquest of so much
perfection. In a few moments she retired, and I betook myself to the
ordinary in a rapture of hope, which deprived me of my appetite for that
meal, and sent me home in the evening to indulge my contemplation.

Early next day, I was favoured with another epistle from my unknown
admirer, signifying her unutterable joy at the receipt of mine, which,
while it made a tender of my heart, convinced her of the value of it.
Above all things, she professed her extreme pleasure in finding me
so much attached to her understanding, a circumstance that not only
flattered her in the most sensible part, but at the same time argued
my own sagacity. As for the interview I desired, she assured me, that I
could not be more eager for such an occasion than she; but she must not
only sacrifice little more to decorum, but be satisfied of my honourable
intentions, before she could grant that request. Meanwhile she gave me
to understand that, although she might owe some deference to the opinion
of certain persons, she w